Staff Favorites from July/August 2015

Bernie Hunhoff, editor-at-large, and Paul Higbee, contributing editor, chose this photo by Doug Jorgensen. “A rodeo fan understands we're looking at true teamwork — cowgirl and horse. But maybe what I like best is how in some of parts of the country most people couldn't tell you exactly what's happening,” Higbee says. “They might guess it to be some sort of bizarre human vs. horse footrace. Or that the cowgirl fell off her horse and is trying to get it to stop. In South Dakota, of course, we know that a goat is about to get its legs tied, real fast.”

Ruth Steil, administrative assistant, chose this photo from Custer State Park by Deborah Johnson. “The burros are just too cute!”

Ashley Wagner, circulation manager, chose this photo of the Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo by Christian Begeman. E.W. Weisel drained a duck pond on his ranch near Clear Lake to create South Dakota’s most natural rodeo bowl. The first Crystal Springs Rodeo was held in 1946.

“I loved the picture of the Ortman Clinic and women’s tug-of-war competition,” says Heidi Marsh, co-publisher and sales and marketing director. “The Ortman family is so fascinating to me and this photo shows that they were unique in every way!”

Jana Lane, subscriptions director, chose this photo of buffalo grazing along old Highway 16 west of Custer. Photo by Bernie Hunhoff.

Katie Hunhoff, co-publisher and editor, chose this photo from Wall Drug by Chad Coppess. “Wall Drug donuts are a highlight of our summer travels, and have been since I was a kid. They even look good without the frosting.”

Laura Johnson Andrews, assistant marketing director, chose this photo of an exhibit at the Daneville Heritage Museum in Viborg. The can pictured is from the town’s former Scandinavian Cooperative Creamery. “Just think of all the delicious Danish dairy that can held over the years. Yum,” Andrews says. Photo by Bernie Hunhoff.

Mary Wickler Peterson, advertising correspondent, chose this photo of Highway 14/16 east of the Black Hills “The location is very near the ranch where I grew up. My Grandma's place is just over the hill,” Peterson says. Photo by Bernie Hunhoff.

John Andrews, managing editor, chose this photo by Greg Latza. "Whether they caught anything or not, these kids will have a lasting memory of fishing on Lake Thompson at sunset. That's a great part of growing up in South Dakota."

Roger Holtzmann, contributing editor, chose Chad Coppess’ photo of Sica Hollow. “It looks like a wonderful place to be on a hot summer day.”

Rebecca Johnson, special projects coordinator, chose this photo from the opening ceremonies of the World Archery Youth Championships in Yankton. “Yankton was so lucky to be able to host this international event,” Johnson says. “Having the National Field Archery Association headquarters here is great for the town.”

“Deffenbaugh’s honor system honey stand is my favorite photo this month,” says Renee Becker, subscriptions. “The Deffenbaughs have been such great family friends and they have such wonderful personalities. You’ll always leave their farm laughing, smiling and with some great honey in your hands!”

Andrea Maibaum, production manager, chose this photo from the Black Hills Raptor Center by Tamara Rogers. The center allows visitors to observe birds of prey at close range in their natural habitats.